EMMERDALE legend Tony Audenshaw is aiming to fulfil his late wife’s dying wish – by raising funds with a charity with close personal meaning.

Tony has portrayed the beloved Bob Hope in the ITV soap since 2000.

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Emmerdale’s Tony Audenshaw is aiming to fulfil his wife’s dying wishCredit: PA

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Tony lost his wife Ruth to pancreatic cancer in 2017Credit: PA

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The actor described his late wife as a keen runner herselfCredit: PA
He tragically lost wife Ruth, who was 43 years old, to pancreatic cancer back in 2017.

This year, he is running the London Marathon in support of Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Specifically, to help the charity develop the first-ever early detection test for the disease – a breakthrough that could save thousands of lives.

Tony said: “How we wish there’d have been an early detection test ten years ago.

“This innovation looks like it will, at last, bring a sea change in the outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.

“A keen runner herself, Ruth would have been thrilled to know that London Marathon had chosen Pancreatic Cancer UK as its 2025 charity partner at this pivotal time.

“We all miss her like mad, but it’s a comfort to think that her story is helping to drive this change.”

Diana Jupp, chief executive of Pancreatic Cancer UK said: “Tony has been one of our most passionate supporters for years and we are so proud to have him running for us, on what will be one of the most important days ever for pancreatic cancer.

“This devastating disease has been overlooked, underfunded, and left behind for 50 years. Families are often left with only hope to hold on to, but they deserve more than hope.

“Being the official charity partner for the 2025 TCS London Marathon is a unique opportunity to change the story around the d3adliest common cancer.

I’m a doctor, NEVER ignore these pancreatic cancer symptoms

“An early detection test is finally within reach, which could save thousands of lives, and our runners are determined to take us over the finish line. With their help, we can put a test into the hands of doctors and give everyone affected by pancreatic cancer more than hope.”

Meanwhile, the actor revealed how he was inspired by a note left by Ruth before her d3ath.

He told PA: “She left all her friends and family a card to read after she died, and in it she said ‘if you run London again will you do it for pancreatic cancer?’

“She also then added something like, ‘No pressure, if you don’t fancy it don’t’, which is very Ruth.”

Tony has previously completed the London Marathon 15 times, most recently in 2015.

He stopped participating when Ruth was diagnosed with the d3adly disease.

The actor’s personal best in the London Marathon is two hours, 58 minutes and 49 seconds – achieved in 2006.

Meanwhile, this year’s London Marathon is set to take place on Sunday, April 27.

Previously, the soap star opened up about the “devastating” moment he learned Ruth had just months to live.

Tony appeared on This Morning to help people spot the signs of the disease and raise awareness.

Tony said at the time: “Part of the thing when you have surgery is that you can’t have chemotherapy for a little while because, obviously chemotherapy kills the good cells as well as the bad cells, so while it was all clinging together, some cells got loose.

“It was quite devastating, because it was probably two months after the operation that we found out it had spread already.”

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Tony has played Bob Hope in Emmerdale since 2000Credit: ITV